Indeed, Andhra Pradesh Governor ND Tiwari has gone unsung (editorial, “Tiwari goes unsung ; It’s curtains for Governor with a roving eye”, Dec 28). The reason given as poor health for his demitting the office cannot hide the truth. It is no secret that the ruling party appoints its own favourites as Governors. Most of them are either political appointees or non-political public figures who have been useful to the party in the past. Very rarely are other qualities of professional competence and academic excellence factored in for this post.

It will, therefore, not be surprising if more often than not the party leadership considers only Governors’ loyalty to itself and ignores their unsavoury conduct. As a result, the office of Governor often becomes a byword for political intrigues, financial irregularities and moral transgression. How can Governors defend the Constitution and act freely and impartially while discharging their constitutional duties if they themselves become vulnerable because of their unseemly and controversial conduct? To keep the honour and dignity of this constitutional post intact, if nothing else, the powers that be must get the background of these people verified thoroughly before they are considered for a constitutional post like that of a Governor.

HEMA, Langeri, Hoshiarpur

Shocking verdict

It is a matter of shame that a molester, by using clout, can roam freely. The case of the former
DGP, SPS Rathore, has exposed the nexus between the culprit and the state machinery which has completely failed to act (article, “Rape of the law” by Kuldip
Nayar, Dec 25).

In a way, the whole judicial fabric of our country has been tarnished. The false implication of Ruchika’s brother in various theft cases is shocking. The government of Haryana must come forward and help the victim’s family because this will bring peace to the soul of
Ruchika.

SHIV KUMAR SETHI, Ferozepur

II

Our judiciary has failed to punish a person who has committed a serious crime. The court gave SPS Rathore a punishment of just six months imprisonment. What should the youth learn from this verdict? Now cases are being reopened against Rathore.

Earlier, it took the Haryana police nine years to register a FIR in the Ruchika molestation case. This case has been politicised by Haryana politicians to meet their own ends. The police and politicians are blaming each other for the long delay.

Cases like Ruchika’s and Arushi murder will continue to be delayed because of corruption and inefficiency in our pillars of democracy. However, credit goes to the media for making the people aware about these cases and the inadequacy in the system.

NEHA PAUL, Patiala

Public servants, not masters

It is an irony that IAS and IPS officers who are expected to be public servants of high integrity having a passion to serve the public at large are acting like emperors and consider themselves to be a law unto themselves and have no concern for the problems faced by the public. They only care to please their political bosses in order to get plum postings.

The day is not too far when people will come to streets to fight for their rights and will no longer tolerate the insensitive and inhuman attitude of these IAS and IPS officers. There is need to ensure that officers behave like public servants and not as masters of the public.